Northgate to lose 18 healthy street trees

Ruth Williams, president of the Thornton Creek Alliance and Beaver Pond Natural Area forest steward, has sent a plea out to fellow urban environmentalists about the removal of 18 healthy street trees from Northeast Northgate Way and Fifth Avenue Northeast, starting as early as July 7.

She says the trees, which have become big enough to provide shelter for pedestrians, are being removed to make way for turning lanes for cars.

However, signs posted on each of the trees states that for each tree removed, the Seattle Department of Transportation will plant two. Williams writes:

We should make sure SDOT means what they say and will replace the trees with specimens of similar size. Since they will no longer be on the sidewalk shading pedestrians, but out in the median shading vehicles, there will be fewer overhead wires and awnings to contend with. Will SDOT be able to add a few natives to their tree list and plant some now?

Leave a message at any hour and get a response within one business day by calling the Project Hotline at:206-462-6348

Thank you for caring for Seattle’s trees and the Northgate neighborhood!

Michael Oxman with Save Seattle’s Trees also notes that an Urban Forestry Commission meeting next Wednesday, July 11, would be a good place to share your opinion about the city’s policy on trees. The meeting is from 3-5 p.m., and starts with a public comment period.